Diego Llorente
BET
Busy defensively in 0-0 draw
Llorente recorded five clearancesand four interceptions in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Celta Vigo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Analysis: Llorente helped his side to a 0-0 draw with a fantastic defensive display for Betis. This was his third La Liga start in a row, having been out for four games in a row before this. The defender made four interceptions and five clearances to help his side to a clean sheet. This was the second game in a row that he has picked up a yellow card.
Trains without protective mask
Llorente trained normally with his teammates since last week without the protective mask he had been wearing for the nasal fracture suffered against Real Madrid and is fully fit to feature moving forward for Real Betis, according to Pablo Salvago of Diario de Sevilla.
Analysis: Llorente had already begun working with protection after that injury more than three weeks ago, though subsequent discomfort kept him out of both the European debut and the last three league matches. This clean session now marks a significant step forward, and his return positions him to compete for a starting role alongside Natan and Marc Bartra (hamstring), who worked individually Wednesday after finishing the last match with discomfort that tests have ruled out as serious.
Hopeful to return after break
Llorente (nose) is targeting a full recovery within the next three weeks as manager Manuel Pellegrini commented after Thursday's match against Getafe that "there is a break coming up now; I hope that during these three weeks, Llorente will be fully fit to train with the squad," per Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Llorente hasn't played for most of September and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming visit to Deportivo, but he could have a chance to bounce back after the subsequent two-week international break. The central defender could be a solid starting option when healthy, although he'll need to build form to catch up in the contention with Natan and Marc Bartra, with Valentin Gomez also used in recent action.
Remains sidelined
Llorente (nose/undisclosed) remains unavailable for Thursday's clash against Getafe.
Analysis: Llorente will miss a second consecutive match as he continues to deal with the issue that ruled him out against Villarreal. It remains unclear whether his absence is related to the nose injury that required him to wear a protective mask or a separate problem. Marc Bartra is expected to start in central defense against Getafe while Llorente remains unavailable.
Out after discomfort
Llorente (nose/undisclosed) is out for Monday's match after suffering from discomfort ahead of the contest.
Analysis: Llorente is not in the squad list as Betis prepares to face Villarreal, with the defender suffering from discomfort ahead of the match. It is not clearly known if this is due to the mask he was set to wear for his injured nose or due to a new injury, as a further injury could keep him out longer. He has started in two of his four appearances, with Marc Bartra and Natan likely to continue at center-back while Llorente is out.
Trains without issues
Llorente (nose) completed a full training session Thursday and looks well positioned to be available for Monday's clash against Villarreal, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Llorente had missed the Champions League opener against Lille due to vision problems caused by the protective mask he has been wearing following his nose fracture from the win over Real Madrid, with Marc Bartra and Natan starting in central defense in his absence. His return to full training now marks a positive step, and a custom made mask expected in the coming days should help clear the way for his return to the lineup.
Not an option vs. Lille
Llorente (nose) won't play against Lille on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League opener, according to Diario De Sevilla.
Analysis: Llorente is reportedly struggling with vision problems due to the mask he's been using as a precautionary measure following the nose fracture he suffered in the win over Real Madrid, so he hasn't been included in the squad for the UCL opener. Llorente is expected to receive a custom-made mask in the coming days, but he should be considered questionable to play in the upcoming league game against Villarreal on Monday, Sept. 14. Marc Bartra and Natan figure to start at center-back while Llorente remains out.
No surgery needed, will play with mask
Llorente suffered a fractured nasal bone with septum deviation, and has been ruled out of needing surgery, though he will need to play with a protective mask going forward, according to Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Llorente's presence for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Lille will depend on how he adapts to wearing the mask, an important next step after his forced substitution against Real Madrid. Marc Bartra and Natan figure to continue as the leading options in central defense if Llorente is not ready to return.
Sustains nose damage
Llorente's injury after his forced substitution Friday against Real Madrid was confirmed by manager Manuel Pellegrini, who explained that the defender "took a blow that fractured his nose, so we'll see how long it takes for him to return to action", per Zona Mixta.
Analysis: Llorente could be sidelined in upcoming Champions League and La Liga fixtures, and the extent of his absence will depend on the severity of the fracture and how the medical staff handles his treatment. Losing a center-back who has started in two of four games this season would represent a considerable blow to a squad that will likely rely on Marc Bartra and Natan if the former Real Sociedad man is ruled out.
Exits early Friday
Llorente was forced off the field in the 39th minute of Friday's match against Real Madrid due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Llorente would leave the field just before halftime Friday, pulling up with an apparent injury that was enough to halt his efforts. This will be something to monitor for the club, as he has started in two of their first four games to start the campaign. He was replaced by Marc Bartra, a likely replacement if Llorente misses more time.
Option going forward
Llorente has served a one-game La Liga suspension and may be selected again in the future.
Analysis: Llorente will regain high defensive value if he returns straight into a major role at the expense of either Natan or Valentin Gomez. After tallying 18 clearances and eight tackles over a run of three starts, Llorente should be a strong presence in Betis' back line. However, his potential may continue to be offset by disciplinary issues.
Will miss Barcelona game
Llorente will miss the upcoming trip to Barcelona after picking up a yellow card in the 80th minute of Tuesday's match against Elche, reaching the accumulation limit.
Analysis: Llorente is unavailable for Sunday's clash against Barcelona due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Elche. The center-back had started the last three matches, so his absence could be felt, with Natan expected to deputize in his place.
Ankle injury cleared for Friday
Llorente (ankle) is available for Friday's clash against Real Madrid, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini, per Gonzalo Tortosa from Elchiringuitotv.
Analysis: Llorente's return is well-timed for Betis, as the center-back had been a key figure in coach Manuel Pellegrini's defensive setup before the ankle sprain forced him out of the Girona fixture. He had started three of the club's last four league matches prior to the injury, and his availability is likely to see him return quickly to the starting XI.
Suffers ankle sprain
Llorente (ankle) will miss Tuesday's clash against Girona after suffering a sprain and being unable to finish team training, according to coach Manuel Pellegrini, per Zona Mixta. "Llorente will not be in Girona."
Analysis: Llorente's late withdrawal is a significant blow for Betis, as the center-back had started three of the club's last four league matches and had become a key figure in coach Pellegrini's defensive setup in recent weeks. The sprain came on short notice, with the defender managing ankle discomfort in the days leading up to the match before being forced off in training. Natan and Marc Bartra are expected to partner together at center-back in his absence. Llorente will look to be fit in time for the April 24 clash against Real Madrid, though the severity of the sprain will dictate how quickly he can return.
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